erikv11

there is no "replacing the bushings" you replace the entire bar. The bushings are vulcanized onto the bar...

On the earlier years (93 and maybe 94) the bushings were not vulcanized. So the parts houses sell bushings for 850 bars. Often they list these parts as compatible with all years. And there are other, non-rubber aftermarket bushings out there.

So time to time, people ask here about replacing the bushings. You can replace the bushings on the newer bars too, but you have to burn off the old ones (or something similar to remove them) and I agree that I'd probably replace the bar instead. Especially with so many good, OEM bars around from folks upgrading to IPD bars.

The bar itself is firmly bonded to the bushing. Is this normal?

yes

which means it is a hassle to replace the bushings - have to burn them off or something.